Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question not answered here? If so then let us know and we will add it to the FAQ's.

What is the race Category?

The Race is Category 2 under the current World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations. Both the skipper and boat must meet Cat 2 safety standards unless written dispensation is requested and granted by the Race Committee. A Cat 2 safety checklist must be completed as part of the entry process.

Are AIS and PLB required?

Yes, both AIS Class B turned on and transmitting throughout the race and a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) are required. It is strongly recommended that the PLB is worn at all times while on deck.

What type of boat can race?

Any monohull with a current IRC certificate or multihull with a current MOCRA certificate and meeting current Cat 2 World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations, unless express dispensation is given by the Race Committee.

Other boats conforming with their Class Regulations e.g. Mini 650, Class 40, IMOCA 60 will be considered if there is enough interest

What are minimum stability requirements?

World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations Cat 2 defines required minimum stability requirements which must be met unless express dispensation is granted by the Race Committee.

Will there be Class splits?

Class splits will be determined nearer the start time.

What experience does the Skipper need?

Each skipper will need to have substantial short handed offshore experience, including solo days and nights at sea. At least some of this solo experience should be in the boat they intend to race. Their sailing CV must be submitted to the race organisers before being allowed to race.

When will SI's be published?

The Sailing Instructions (SI's) will be published early in 2018.

Is there a Risk Assessment for the Race?

Yes. We take consideration of the risk involved in this race seriously and we strongly advise you to read and understand our Safety Issue Race Assessment before you enter this race.

How can I follow the race?

Every yacht will be fitted with a Yellow Brick Tracker device. You can follow the race on the dedicated Yellow Brick race page and skippers can download fleet position reports via their satphones....

More details and URL links will be available here nearer the race date.

How do I enter the race?

First, you need to Register your interest and pay a £10 GBP Registration Fee. Our website is set up to handle PayPal payments, which are secure and can handle currency conversions. If the SORC Committee decide, for any reason, that your registration cannot be accepted then the Registration Fee will be refunded.

In due course we will notify you how to upgrade you Registration to a formal Comfirmed Entry.

Why don't you have a double handed class for the less experienced?

We did discuss having a double-handed class early on, and we have no doubt that would attract a lot of entries. However, we decided not to go down this route and to keep it as a solo event for the following reasons:

We are the SOLO Offshore Racing Club

RORC, The Royal Ocean Racing Club, already run a double-handed class in the RORC Fastnet Race, and we have no desire to compete with their fantastic world reknowned race. Many SORC skippers are also members of RORC. RORC do not officially condone solo racing, so by offering a solo only event, and in alternate years to their event, we are not competing with them.

We are a relatively small, volunteer run, not for profit Club and, quite simply, we would struggle with resources if the event got huge, which it would if we allowed double-handed entries.